New Movies: The Instigators (2024) by Doug Liman: A Chaotic Boston Heist Gone Wrong

Core Summary: Mismatched Criminals, Kidnapped Therapist, and Boston Mayhem The Instigators (2024), directed by Doug Liman, is a Boston-set action-comedy film starring Matt Damon as Rory, a clinically depressed ex-Marine, and Casey Affleck as Cobby, a sardonic ex-con. When their desperate heist to steal illegal political donations from a corrupt mayor goes sideways, the mismatched duo finds themselves on the run, forced to kidnap Rory's no-nonsense therapist, Dr. Rivera (Hong Chau), to patch up bullet wounds and aid their escape. The film is a chaotic buddy comedy that navigates a web of mobsters, police, and political corruption, all while exploring themes of desperation, unexpected alliances, and the complexities of human connection amidst mayhem.

Summary Short: Heist Goes Sideways, Therapist Gets Kidnapped Two desperate criminals, a suicidal ex-Marine and a cynical ex-con, find their botched heist turning into a chaotic chase across Boston, with Rory's therapist unwillingly joining their escape.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24169886/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-instigators-review-matt-damon-casey-affleck-1236090178/

About movie: https://www.theinstigatorsmovie.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-instigators (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/the-instigators (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-instigators (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-instigators (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/the-instigators (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/the-instigators (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/los-instigadores (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/the-instigators (Germany)

Detailed Summary: A Heist, A Chase, and An Unlikely Trio

• Film Overview: The Instigators (2024) is an American action-comedy and crime thriller film directed by Doug Liman, with a screenplay co-written by Casey Affleck and Chuck Maclean. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes and was distributed by Apple TV+.

• The Desperate Plan: The story centers on Rory (Matt Damon), a clinically depressed ex-Marine in desperate need of $32,480 for child support. He is roped into a heist orchestrated by mid-tier gangsters (Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina) to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in unreported cash and illegal political donations from Boston's ultra-corrupt Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman) during his election night victory party.

• The Mismatched Duo: Rory is partnered with the sardonic and seasoned ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck), who provides a cynical running commentary on the unfolding disaster. They are briefly joined by jumpy nitwit Scalvo (Jack Harlow).

• The Heist Goes Awry: The meticulously planned heist quickly unravels when Mayor Miccelli unexpectedly loses his re-election bid, leading to a much smaller payout than anticipated. This immediately puts Rory and Cobby on the run from both Besegai's crew and Miccelli's personal attack dog, the corrupt police detective Frank Toomey (Ving Rhames).

• The Unwilling Accomplice: In the chaos, Rory's therapist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), finds herself unwillingly drawn into the escalating situation. She is "kidnapped" to provide medical aid for Rory's bullet wounds and becomes an integral, albeit reluctant, part of their escape team. Her no-nonsense empathy contrasts humorously with the criminals' antics.

• A Citywide Chase: The film becomes a frenetic chase across Boston, as Rory, Cobby, and Dr. Rivera move from hideout to hideout, evading various factions and navigating the city's underworld.

• Themes of Desperation and Redemption: While a high-octane caper, the film touches on Rory's underlying desperation to turn his life around for his son before a self-imposed deadline, hinting at themes of potential redemption.

• Ensemble Cast: The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, and Ron Perlman.

Plot Summary: From Boston Break-in to Broad Daylight Chaos

• A Costly Need: Rory, a down-on-his-luck former Marine battling depression, agrees to participate in a risky heist to secure a specific amount of money needed for his son's child support and related expenses.

• The Inside Job: He joins a team planning to steal illicit political donations from the re-election party of Boston's corrupt Mayor Miccelli, orchestrated by local mobsters.

• Partners in Crime: Rory is teamed with Cobby, a jaded ex-con, whose sarcastic remarks provide a constant comedic counterpoint to Rory's nervous inexperience.

• The Botched Heist: The plan quickly goes south when the mayor surprisingly loses the election, drastically reducing the amount of cash available. Rory and Cobby are forced to flee with a minimal take, becoming targets of both the mob and the corrupt police.

• An Accidental Hostage: During their desperate escape, Rory's therapist, Dr. Rivera, is unwillingly caught in their web. She's coerced into providing medical attention for Rory's injuries and becomes their unexpected, often exasperated, accomplice on the run.

• A City Under Siege (from them): The trio navigates Boston's streets and various safe houses, trying to evade the mobsters who want their money back and the crooked detective hunting them down.

• Unlikely Bonds: Amidst the chaos, an odd camaraderie forms between the mismatched fugitives and their kidnapped therapist, leading to moments of unexpected humor and surprising emotional depth.

• Resolution and Aftermath: The film culminates in their attempts to resolve the situation, revealing the true motives of the various players involved and the ultimate fate of the "instigators."

Director's Vision: Spontaneous Chaos and Character Chemistry Doug Liman's directorial vision for The Instigators centers on creating a dynamic, spontaneous, and character-driven action-comedy, prioritizing the chemistry between his lead actors and a sense of unscripted reality.

• "Alive, Unscripted" Feel: Liman aimed for the film to "feel alive, unscripted." He encouraged improvisation from the cast and adopted a flexible shooting style that could "evolve with the scene," allowing him to "capture moments that feel spontaneous."

• Intuitive Filmmaking: Working with cinematographer Henry Braham, Liman developed an intuitive approach to filming, avoiding static equipment like tripods or dolly tracks to "not restrict the actors." This allows for a "very precise about the relationship of the camera to the actors," with actors "not bound by marks on the floor."

• Character-Driven Comedy: Despite the action and chaos, the core of the film rests on the "brisk barbed banter" and "comic timing" of the leads (Damon, Affleck, Chau). Liman aimed to make "exceptional use of Damon, Affleck, and the rest of its impeccable roster."

• Boston Aesthetic: The film was intentionally shot in Boston during winter, with cinematography accentuating the "cloudy skies and blue-grey hues" to create a specific visual mood for the buddy movie.

• Embracing Imperfection: Liman has an "antenna for things that don't feel truthful" and is willing to "try something completely different" if a scene isn't working, even if it means turning "the whole scene on its head." This adaptability is key to his filmmaking style.

• Genre Blend: While described as a heist comedy, Liman's vision blends action, comedy, and drama, with critics noting it's "cut from a similar cloth" to Guy Ritchie films but with a more "laidback caper" feel.

Themes: Desperation, Unexpected Alliances, and Boston Underbelly

• Desperation and Moral Compromise: The film explores how financial desperation can drive ordinary people to engage in criminal activities, blurring moral lines.

• Unlikely Partnerships: A central theme is the formation of an unexpected and often hilarious alliance between mismatched individuals – a depressed ex-Marine, a cynical ex-con, and a kidnapped therapist.

• The Boston Underworld: The film delves into the corrupt underbelly of Boston, involving mobsters, dirty politicians, and compromised law enforcement, adding a gritty backdrop to the comedic chaos.

• Redemption and Self-Discovery (Subtle): Rory's quest to turn his life around for his son hints at a subtle theme of seeking redemption amidst the mayhem, while Dr. Rivera's forced participation challenges her professional boundaries.

• Trust and Betrayal: As alliances form and dissolve, the film explores the fragile nature of trust in a criminal world filled with deception.

• Consequences of Choices: The entire premise hinges on the unforeseen and escalating consequences of a single botched decision, highlighting how actions ripple outwards.

• The Absurdity of Chaos: Despite the serious stakes, the film leans into the absurdity of the situation, finding humor in the characters' predicament and their reactions to escalating mayhem.

Key Success Factors: A Star-Studded, Energetic Ride

• Chemistry of Leads: The "alchemy of Casey Affleck and Matt Damon's knucklehead rapport" is a major draw, providing a strong comedic and emotional core to the film. Hong Chau's performance as the therapist also greatly enhances this dynamic.

• Doug Liman's Direction: Liman's characteristic "spontaneous" and "alive" filmmaking style keeps the action frenetic and engaging, giving the film a distinct energy.

• Boston Setting: The gritty, authentic Boston backdrop, often seen in crime thrillers, provides a familiar yet dynamic environment for the chase sequences.

• Ensemble Cast: A supporting cast featuring seasoned talents like Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, and Ron Perlman, adds depth and comedic potential.

• Action-Comedy Blend: The film's successful combination of a crime heist with buddy comedy elements offers broad appeal to audiences looking for both thrills and laughs.

• Apple TV+ Platform: Being an Apple Original Film gave it significant visibility and a wide global release, contributing to its streaming success.

Summary Short: Modest Theatrical, Strong Streaming Debut The Instigators (2024) had a limited theatrical release in the US on August 2, 2024, grossing a modest $11,106 worldwide. However, it quickly became a success on Apple TV+, premiering on August 9, 2024, where it was noted as the number one streamed film in its release week. Critics offered mixed reviews, with a 40% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising the chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck but noting a lack of intrigue and narrative pulse.

Awards & Nominations: Early Buzz for Talented Cast As a relatively new film released in 2024, The Instigators has not yet accumulated a significant list of major awards. However, its cast, particularly Hong Chau, has received recognition for their broader body of work and critical attention for their performances in this film.

• Hong Chau: Her performance in The Instigators was noted as part of her strong run of roles in the early 2020s (including The Whale, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress), highlighting her continued critical acclaim.

Critics Reception: Mixed Bag for a Boston Caper The Instigators received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, 40% of 156 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.4/10. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 48 out of 100, based on 38 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews."

• Rotten Tomatoes Consensus: "The alchemy of Casey Affleck and Matt Damon's knucklehead rapport provides some charm, but this laidback caper unravels due to a lack of intrigue and pulse."

• Screen Rant: Found it to be a "paint-by-numbers Boston movie" that "falls short of what it could have been because it's not trying very hard to be exceptional in any way," with "half-assed" performances.

• In Review Online: Described it as "perfunctory" and noted that while the premise was promising, "pity the film only gets about 25 minutes of material out of it before resetting so our characters can attempt to take down yet another score."

• Veg Out: Felt it "aligned with the thoughts I already had with the film, that it felt like a group of middle-aged actors trying to reclaim their glory days by making a movie that reminded them of their favorites. 'The Instigators' very much feels like 'Mid-Life Crisis: The Movie.'"

• Positive Points: Critics generally praised the chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, often finding their banter to be a highlight. Hong Chau's performance as Dr. Rivera was also frequently commended for her "no-nonsense empathy" and "screwball aplomb." Some found it "unremarkable but consistently amusing" and a "fun heist film with heart."

• Negative Points: Common criticisms included a lack of intrigue, an uneven tone (struggling to balance action, comedy, and drama), a thin plot, underdeveloped supporting characters, and a feeling that the film wasted its talented cast and potential. Some reviewers found the pacing slow in parts despite the action.

Overall Summary of Critical Reception: While the film's strong cast and the comedic dynamic between Damon and Affleck were points of praise, many critics found The Instigators to be a rather conventional and underwhelming heist comedy that didn't fully capitalize on its potential or its talented ensemble.

Reviews: Audience & Critic Echoes: Charming Duo, Mixed Reactions Audience and critic reviews for The Instigators generally reflect a film that, while not universally acclaimed, found an audience receptive to its lead performances.

• Rotten Tomatoes: Shows a critic rating of 40% (mixed) and an audience score that is often higher (though a specific percentage wasn't provided in the search snippet, the general sentiment for Apple TV+ originals with high-profile casts tends to lean more positive with audiences).

• Metacritic: Aggregates a "mixed or average" score of 48 out of 100 from critics.

• Screen Rant: Though critical, acknowledged that "Matt Damon and Casey Affleck make it a fun ride" when the film is not action-focused, hinting at audience appeal for their dynamic.

• Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys): Described it as "wasted talent and potential," but also noted it was "unlikely you're going to see a more prime example of wasted talent and potential than Apple original The Instigators." However, they also stated it was "tolerable but momentously undercooked."

• General Audience Sentiment: Viewers likely enjoyed the reunion of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck and their buddy chemistry. Hong Chau's performance also stood out. The film's lighthearted approach to a crime caper, set against the backdrop of Boston, probably appealed to those looking for a casual, entertaining watch on a streaming platform. Critiques regarding the plot's thinness or lack of stakes might have been less impactful for a streaming audience.

Box Office: A Streaming Focus, Limited Theatrical Run The Instigators (2024) received a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 2, 2024. Its box office performance was modest, grossing only $11,106 worldwide. This minimal theatrical run was primarily a qualifying release before its main debut on streaming. The film was distributed by Apple TV+, indicating its primary intended distribution channel. Its success is therefore measured more by its performance on the streaming platform, where it was reported to be the number one streamed film on Apple TV+ during its release week in early August.

Production Summary: A Boston Reunion Project The Instigators (2024) is an American action-comedy film with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes (101 minutes). It was produced in the United States. The film is directed by Doug Liman, with the screenplay written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck. Producers include Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jeff Robinov, John Graham, Kevin J. Walsh, and Alison Winter. The music was composed by Christophe Beck, and cinematography by Henry Braham.

Production Companies: Apple's Backing for A-Listers The production companies involved are Apple Studios, Artists Equity (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's production company), Studio 8, and The Walsh Company.

Sales Companies: Apple's Direct Distribution As an Apple Original Film, The Instigators was primarily distributed directly by Apple TV+, rather than going through traditional sales companies that license to different distributors globally.

Distribution Companies: Straight to Streaming The film was distributed by Apple TV+, its primary release platform. It received a limited theatrical release in the United States via Apple Original Films.

Release date on streaming: Digital Premiere for a Heist Comedy The Instigators (2024) made its streaming debut on Apple TV+ on August 9, 2024.

Theatrical Release: A Brief Big-Screen Appearance The Instigators (2024) had a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 2, 2024. It also had limited international releases, for example, in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2024.

Why to recommend this movie: A Fun Ride with Familiar Faces

• Matt Damon & Casey Affleck Reunion: Fans of the duo will enjoy their natural chemistry and banter, which is a major highlight of the film.

• Engaging Buddy Comedy: The dynamic between the mismatched protagonists provides consistent laughs and an entertaining ride.

• Hong Chau's Performance: Her role as the kidnapped therapist is a standout, adding unique humor and heart to the chaotic situation.

• Doug Liman's Signature Style: If you enjoy Liman's fast-paced, improvisational, and slightly chaotic action filmmaking (e.g., The Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith).

• Easy and Entertaining Watch: It's a caper film that delivers on lighthearted action and humor, perfect for a casual viewing experience.

Why to Watch Movie: For Thrills, Laughs, and Unlikely Friendships

• Love Heist Comedies: If you enjoy films about criminal capers that go wrong, leading to humorous and action-packed escapes.

• Boston Crime Drama Fan (with a comedic twist): Offers a familiar Boston setting and criminal underworld elements, but with a strong comedic bent.

• Seeking A-List Chemistry: Witness the effortless rapport between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, enhanced by Hong Chau's presence.

• Enjoy Action and Dialogue: The film blends car chases and fugitive sequences with witty repartee and character-driven moments.

• Apple TV+ Subscriber: Easily accessible for those with an Apple TV+ subscription, making it a convenient watch.

Movie Trend: The Rise of Streaming-First Star Vehicles The Instigators (2024) is a clear example of the growing trend of "Streaming-First Star Vehicles" where major studios like Apple produce high-profile films with A-list talent primarily for their streaming platforms, often with only a limited theatrical run. It also aligns with the continuous popularity of "Buddy Action Comedies" and "Heist Films," showcasing how these enduring genres are being adapted for the digital streaming era, often with a focus on established actor pairings. The film also points to a trend of "Franchise Building on Streaming", with early talks already underway for a potential sequel.

Social Trend: The Pressure of Modern Life & Unexpected Connections The film resonates with social trends highlighting the "Pressures of Modern Life" (e.g., financial desperation, mental health struggles like depression), showcasing how individuals are pushed to extreme measures. It also touches on the societal fascination with "True Crime and Corruption," albeit with a comedic lens, by depicting a world of dirty politicians and mobsters. Perhaps most importantly, the film subtly explores the theme of "Unexpected Connections" and how diverse individuals can form bonds and support systems in unforeseen circumstances, reflecting a broader societal interest in genuine human connection amidst chaos.

Final Verdict: A Charming But Unremarkable Boston Heist The Instigators (2024) is an entertaining, albeit somewhat unexceptional, Boston-set heist comedy that benefits greatly from the undeniable chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, and a standout performance from Hong Chau. While Doug Liman's signature energetic direction keeps the film moving, the plot can feel thin and some of the supporting characters underdeveloped. It's a fun, easy watch that fulfills its role as a streaming vehicle for its stars, delivering enough laughs and action to be enjoyable, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of its potential.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: Maximizing Star Chemistry

• Prioritize Character Dynamics: When developing buddy comedies, focus heavily on the unique relationship and chemistry between the leads, as this often carries the film.

• Lean into Improv and Spontaneity: If working with actors known for improvisation, embrace a flexible shooting style that allows for spontaneous and authentic moments.

• Deepen Supporting Roles: Even in an ensemble, ensure supporting characters have enough depth and purpose to avoid feeling underdeveloped or cliché.

• Balance Genre Elements: Carefully blend action, comedy, and dramatic beats to maintain a consistent tone and prevent the film from feeling disjointed.

• Understand Platform Strengths: Tailor projects for their primary distribution platform (e.g., a lighter, more character-driven action-comedy might perform better on streaming than a wide theatrical release).

Recommendations for Movie Industry: The Future of Star-Driven Streaming

• Continue Investing in Star Vehicles for Streaming: Recognize the value of high-profile actors in driving subscriptions and viewership for original content on streaming platforms.

• Explore Established Collaborations: Capitalize on proven chemistry between actors (like Damon and Affleck) to create compelling new projects.

• Diversify Genre Offerings on Streaming: Provide a wide range of genres, including action-comedies and heist films, to appeal to diverse subscriber tastes.

• Rethink Theatrical Strategies for Streaming Originals: Evaluate whether limited theatrical releases truly benefit streaming-first films or if resources are better allocated to marketing the digital debut.

• Encourage Writer-Actor Collaborations: The success of Casey Affleck as a co-writer highlights the potential of actors contributing to the script, adding authenticity to character voice.

Final Conclusions: A Solid, If Safe, Streaming Heist The Instigators (2024) is a charming and enjoyable ride, largely powered by the crackling chemistry of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, brought to life by Doug Liman's energetic direction. While it may not break new ground in the heist comedy genre, it delivers solid entertainment for a streaming audience, proving that even a "passable" film can be a welcome addition when its stars are this engaging. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of a good buddy dynamic, even amidst the chaos of a Boston crime spree.